Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, model, and singer, born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. She became one of the most iconic sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s, starring in films such as "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "Some Like It Hot." Despite her success, Monroe struggled with personal and professional challenges and died on August 5, 1962, from a drug overdose at the age of 36. She remains a pop culture icon to this day.